family like the World Wildlife Trust and the African Wildlife Association have managed to reverse the dwindling numbers. In fact, numbers have doubled over the last decade to over 1,000. Since human encroachment is the biggest threat initiatives like the acquisition of extra land in 2018 directly adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda by the AWF has expanded the great ape habitat. Engaging with the local communities and teaching them the value of animal tourism has also been central to the resurgence, so for once we can really say that specialist tourism has been a lifesaver! In 2016, Volcanoes National Park generated $16.4 million from park entry fees. It’s efforts like these that will continue to help develop livelihood strategies that complement conservation. Of course, the story began with a moving film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, based on the true story of anthropologist Dian Fossey, whose travels to the African wilderness began as a study of the rare mountain gorillas and became a single-minded devotion to protect the animals from poachers and those who would capture the great apes to ship them off to zoos. Her interaction with the gorillas, observing their social behaviour, gaining their attention and trust, recognising their own inquisitiveness in their human cousins are fundamental ingredients that make gorilla trekking the unique, ‘bucket list’ experience that it is. In combination with Rwanda’s other national parks or an even larger itinerary incorporating the safari delights of neighbouring Tanzania or Kenya creates a truly stunning natural journey. 79
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